SAINT PAUL — Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL–Vadnais Heights), chief author of Minnesota’s landmark legislation creating an independent Office of the Inspector General, has been appointed to the Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission.
The commission will be responsible for recruiting and recommending qualified candidates to serve as Minnesota’s first Inspector General, who will lead the newly established office tasked with investigating fraud against state government programs.
“This appointment is an opportunity to help ensure we build an Office of the Inspector General that is truly independent, transparent, and focused on serving the people of Minnesota,” said Senator Gustafson. “When we passed this legislation, our goal was to strengthen accountability and restore public trust by creating an office that follows the facts, protects taxpayer dollars, and operates free from political influence. I’m honored to continue to lay the foundation for that work.”
The Office of the Inspector General was established during the 2026 legislative session through bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Gustafson, after first being passed by the Senate in 2025. The new office consolidates oversight functions and provides an independent authority to investigate fraud against state agencies while making recommendations to improve efficiency and accountability.
The eight-member advisory commission, with two members from each legislative caucus, will conduct a nationwide search and recommend candidates to the governor for appointment as Minnesota’s first Inspector General, subject to Senate confirmation.
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Learn more about Sen. Gustafson.
